2026 Grand National Festival: Your Guide to VIP Tickets and Race Schedule
In just under two weeks, the sporting world's attention will turn to Liverpool as Aintree Racecourse prepares to host the prestigious Grand National Festival. The 2026 edition of this celebrated event is scheduled from Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11, offering three days of thrilling equestrian competition and exclusive social experiences.
VIP and Hospitality Packages Still Available
For racing enthusiasts seeking an elevated experience, a variety of VIP and hospitality packages remain accessible through official providers Seat Unique and The Jockey Club. These premium options deliver exceptional views of the course, complimentary food and beverages, and exclusive access to designated areas.
Seat Unique offers several packages for Opening Day and Ladies Day:
- McCoys Package – Starting at £249 per person, this includes entry to the Earl of Derby Terrace, an al fresco dining experience, a signature cocktail, and a racecard.
- Golden Miller Restaurant – From £499, featuring access to the Earl of Derby grandstand or a private balcony, a four-course meal, complimentary bar, cream tea, and parking.
- Many Clouds Package – Priced at £598.80, offering prime viewing of the Grand National start-line, a private balcony, breakfast canapés, and a three-course tasting menu with drinks.
- Sunloch Club – Beginning at £699, providing premier entry to the Lord Sefton Grandstand, a four-course meal, complimentary bar, and balcony views.
- Papillon Diamond Marque – From £719, granting access to a Jockey Club restaurant and Earl of Derby Grandstand with a four-course lunch and tipster.
- The Art School at Aintree – Starting at £749 for a six-course tasting menu by chef Paul Askew, paired with fine wines and Parade Ring views.
The Jockey Club handles Grand National Day packages:
- Silver Birch Garden Party Package – Available from £970.
- Longma Experience – A new offering for 2026 at £1,380, featuring a six-course Pan-Asian dining experience with theatre, private balcony access, and VIP parking.
General Admission Options
For those preferring standard entry, The Jockey Club provides general admission tickets starting at £33.50 for the Festival Zone. Additional options include The Embankment at £44.10 and premium Princess Royal Seats and Gallery at £140, which offer proximity to the Finishing Post and access to key areas like the Parade Ring.
A limited number of resale tickets have appeared on platforms such as Stubhub, with West Tip Seat tickets listed around £60. Prices may vary as the event approaches.
Complete 2026 Grand National Schedule
The festival gates open at 11am on Thursday, 10:30am on Friday, and 10am on Saturday. The highlight, the Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase, commences at 4pm on Saturday, April 11.
Day 1: Opening Day – Thursday, April 9
- 1:45pm – The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle Race
- 2:20pm – The William Hill Manifesto Novices' Steeple Chase
- 2:55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase
- 3:30pm – The Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Steeple Chase
- 4:05pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race
- 4:40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase
- 5:15pm – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Day 2: Ladies Day – Friday, April 10
- 1:45pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
- 2:20pm – The William Hill Mildmay Novices' Steeple Chase
- 2:55pm – The Top Novices' Hurdle Race
- 3:30pm – The JCB Melling Steeple Chase
- 4:05pm – The Randox Topham Handicap Steeple Chase
- 4:40pm – The Oddschecker Sefton Novices' Hurdle Race
- 5:15pm – The Debenhams Handicap Hurdle Race
Day 3: Grand National Day – Saturday, April 11
- 12:45pm – The Hallgarten and Nobum Wines Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase
- 1:20pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
- 1:55pm – The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Race
- 2:30pm – The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase
- 3:05pm – The Liverpool Hurdle Race
- 4:00pm – The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
- 5:00pm – The Weatherbys NHStallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
With millions expected to tune in, securing tickets promptly is advised to ensure a place at this iconic sporting spectacle. Whether opting for lavish hospitality or general admission, the 2026 Grand National Festival promises unforgettable racing action and entertainment.
